Al Basma British School
About Al Basma British School
Al Basma British School (ABS) is a private, co-educational British school in Al Bahia, north of Abu Dhabi city, with roots going back to 1980, when it opened as Giggles English School, before relaunching as Al Basma British School on a purpose-built campus in 2014. It teaches the National Curriculum for England from the Early Years Foundation Stage through IGCSE and A Level (FS1 to Year 13, ages 3-18). Home to just over 1,500 students from more than 50 nationalities, over half of them Emirati, an unusually high local proportion for a British school, and taught by 118 teachers at a 1:12 ratio, it is rated Very Good by ADEK (with outstanding features) on a steady upward trajectory, and is BSO-accredited and a BSME member. Among the most affordable British-curriculum schools in the emirate, its campus includes a 25-metre swimming pool, dedicated STEM and AI labs and a sports hall.
Fees read from the school's published 2026-27 fee schedule; ADEK rating from its 2021-22 inspection report. Last checked 10 July 2026. How Talem verifies →
Annual tuition fees
Fees for 2026/2027, per year group. Excludes registration, uniform, and transport.
Official 2026/27 fees. Tuition excludes uniform and optional transport (AED 5,000/year, GPS-equipped buses). Among the most affordable British schools in Abu Dhabi.
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ADEK Rating
ADEK 2021–2022 inspection
Stages & pathways
Early Years (EYFS)
FS1-FS2The Early Years Foundation Stage, building communication, early literacy and numeracy through play.
Primary
Years 1-6National Curriculum for England across Key Stages 1 and 2, with dedicated STEM and AI provision.
Secondary
Years 7-11Key Stage 3 followed by the two-year IGCSE programme. 2018 IGCSE: 55% achieved 5+ A*-C including English and Maths.
Sixth Form
Years 12-13AS and A Level (including International A Levels). 2021 A Level: 41% A*-A, 65% A*-B.
How to apply
Facilities
Science Laboratories
Subject-dedicated science laboratories.
STEM Lab
A dedicated STEM laboratory.
AI Lab
A dedicated artificial-intelligence lab.
Art Studios
Studios for visual art and design.
25m Swimming Pool
A 25-metre swimming pool.
Sports Hall
An indoor sports hall, with a competitive ADISSA sports programme.
Medical Clinic
An on-site medical clinic.
School Transport
Optional GPS-equipped bus service across Abu Dhabi.
School leadership
Sharon Davis
Principal
Principal of Al Basma British School since July 2024; holds a Bachelor of Education and the UK's National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
Mr. Guy Schooley
Vice Principal (Pastoral)
Mr. Chris Watson
Vice Principal (Primary)
Mr. Sean Doherty
Vice Principal (Secondary)
Ms. Jayne Njeri Yobera
Assistant Vice Principal EYFS
Mr. Sameh Ali Mohamed
Assistant Vice Principal MOE
Ms. Amal Diab
KS5 Leader/ Career and University Guidance Counselor
Ms. Elaine Doherty
Head of Key Stage 1
Ms. Katie Grant
Head of Key Stage 2
Mr. Jack Ridley
Head of Key Stage 3
Ms. Megan Gouldson
Head of Key Stage 4
Ms. Charity Facchin
Head of Inclusion (Secondary)
Ms. Neelum Ahmed
Head of Inclusion (Primary)
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Questions & answers
Where we are
Al Houri Street, behind Deerfields Mall, Al Bahia, PO Box 45994, Abu Dhabi, UAE
